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FIBROMAYLGIA SYNDROME (FMS) is the medical term given to a
complex clinical problem characterized by symptoms of chronic
soft tissue pain, stiffness, insomnia and an altered deep pain
threshold. The name fibromaylgia means pain in the muscles and
the fibrous connective tissues. The major symptom is pain - other
symptoms include fatigue, headaches, numberness, memory difficulties,
irritable bladder and depression. It affects about 5 million people
in the United States. Almost 90% of people having FMS are women
between the ages of 35 to 60. It can also affect children and
teens.
Fibromyalgia has been in the medical literature for more than
100 years but only in the past ten years has it received serious
medical attention from the medical community. It is a confusing
syndrome because so many of the symptoms are present in other
conditions. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology and
20 specialists established diagnostic criteria that allow the
diagnosis to be made with confidence. The presence and pattern
of characteristic "tender points" throughout the body
separate fibromyalgia from other conditions. Many different factors
can trigger fibromyalgia. A number of stresses, physical or emotional
trauma, inactivity and anxiety can lead to or further aggravate
the condition.
The treatment of fibromyalgia includes education about the disease,
exercise, rest, medication and adaptation. Alone these types of
treatment are not sufficient but in the correct combination it
is possible for most people to adjust to the challenges of fibromyalgia.
The symptom is not yet curable.
The educational treatment component for fibromyalgia is extremely
important. The Moses Taylor HealthInfo
Library has many resources to offer anyone interested in learning
more about this condition. A few of our most frequently borrowed
resources are:
1. Fransen, J The Fibromyalgia Help Book. 1996
This book is subtitled "Practical guide to living better
with fibromyalgia". It is authored by a rheumatology nurse
clinician and PhD researcher in musculoskeletal pain disorders.
2. McIlwain, H. Fibromyalgia handbook. 1996
A leading arthritis physician tells how to beat fibomyalgia with
a 7 step treatment program. The plan includes medications, exercises,
stress relief, nutrition and more.
3. Starlanyl, D. Fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain syndrome.
1997.
Written by a physician who has FMS and a social worker also with
the disease, this book is a comprehensive educational resource
for anyone with fibromyalgia. It is also useful for family members
and friends of patients.
All of these books and more can be borrowed from the Moses Taylor HealthInfo Library. Call us at (570) 340-2555 to reserve one of these titles or to find out more about our free library services.